The Consciousness Calendar is published bi-weekly and provides selected events for the proceeding two weeks. Send calendar submissions for consideration to: generalcontact@moderntimesmagazine.com.

Consciousness Calendar Dec 13 To 31: Volunteering And Special Events Are Two Ways To Open Up Minds And Hearts This Month

By Staff ReportModern Times Magazine

Dec. 13, 2018 — During this holiday season, many seek solace in religious events, be they Christian, Jewish or any of the other faiths currently being worshipped today. Humanism doesn’t easily fit into this time of year. It’s defined as “a philosophical and ethical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively, and generally prefers critical thinking and evidence (rationalism and empiricism) over acceptance of dogma or superstition.” The word has negative connotations to those who aren’t familiar with it, especially those with traditional religious beliefs. People wanting to learn more about this philosophy should check out Humanist Resistance book club, happening 6:30 p.m. Friday (Dec. 14) at The Newton, 300 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix.Attendees will learn and challenge assumptions, get to ask lots of questions and seek out tools for being effective activists and policymakers. This month, state Sen. Juan Mendez will lead a discussion on the book The Myth of Human Supremacy by Derrick Jensen.According to the book, "human history has largely been built upon a single assumption, that the earth belongs to humanity. Jensen proposes a radical new definition of intelligence, based not on human dominance, but rather on the intricacy and sense of community with which various life forms articulate themselves."To learn about the event, call 602-859-5184 or check out this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/256847234974195/

Friday, Dec. 14

Revolution Open Mic is happening at 7 p.m. at Azukar Coffee, 7246 S. Central, Phoenix. Performers of all kinds will have a platform to share their stories, voices and the many meanings of change, movement and "the revolutionary." Navajo tacos and drinks are available. To learn more, visit this Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/events/1983826268360650/

Coffee for a Cause will host Read Better Be Better at 5 p.m. at The Coronado, 2201 N. 7th St., Phoenix. For more details, go to https://www.facebook.com/events/585787038531299/Attention, early risers: Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 E. Second St., Scottsdale, is holding a Winter Solstice at 5:30 a.m. The featured work will be James Turrell’s Knight Rise Skyspace, with a toast the to shortest day of the year. Irish coffee and pastries will be served. For more details, visit https://smoca.org/event/sunrise-in-the-skyspace-2018/

Saturday, Dec. 22

Warm The Streets Of Phoenix is happening from 3 to 9 p.m. at First Church UCC Phoenix, 1407 N. Second St. Donations of blankets, gloves and other cold-weather related accessories, water and hygiene items are needed to help the homeless. For more details on how to help, check out this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/451090425418171/

A family man decides to get a consultation from a nutritionist. But when he realizes that losing weight will mean cutting out food items like cheddar fries, he obfuscates: all in good taste, of course.